Graflex.org

donsmerz · Joined: 25 Jul 2010 Posts: 2 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

My recently acquired Crown is in great shape. It's not in new condition. But it surely is nice. Questions about modifications:

1. I'll never use that flash. Should I just take the bracket off?

2. Saw the mod in View Camera to add front swing capability. This mod is invisible so no one would even know it was there unless they used the camera's front movements.

3. Saw the other mod in View Camera to allow full downward tilt w/o dropping the bed. This mod is visible and could only be reversed by replacing the modded front standard brackets with original ones. Is this worth it?

In total, I assume these cameras are not rare-even in excellent condition. So should I care about making these modifications to this one or not?

--Don Merz

Jim Hobson · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 14 Location: Vernon, NJ

Hi Don,
I would not modify mine without being able to put it back. I did reverse the front standard, but did not modify it, so I can put it back. Just flip it around and disconnect the range finder bracket from the rails. I can put it back anytime and for now I have foward tilt without dropping the bed.

If I were going to do a permanent modification, I'd buy a clunker from eBay.

BTW, I have a Speed Graphic, don't know if it's the same as a crown.
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If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you’re not out there, you’ll only hear about it. - Jay Maisel

brian d · Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 44 Location: indiana

Here is a thread that has a few thoughts on modifications

http://www.graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=5261&highlight=

I still vote not to do anything that cant be undone
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Real men use Speed Graphics and flashbulbs.

45PSS · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 1:20 am Post subject:

Its your time/money/camera, do as you wish.

If you plan on paying someone to do the mods then a Toyo or Linhof may cost less.
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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

Henry · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 1:32 am Post subject:

Jim Hobson · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 14 Location: Vernon, NJ

45PSS · Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 6:58 pm Post subject:

Have you looked at Graflex Corp. cameras on ebay lately?
your camera may be worth more than you think.
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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

Jim Hobson · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 14 Location: Vernon, NJ

45PSS: You are right. ebay completed auctions. One sold for $269 & one for $275. They are going up from a month or two ago.
_________________
If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you’re not out there, you’ll only hear about it. - Jay Maisel